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    • CPM S45VN

    CPM-S45VN Knives: Crucible's Nitrogen-Enhanced Upgrade to the CPM-S35VN Standard

    CPM-S45VN is a powder metallurgy stainless steel produced by Crucible Industries and released in 2020, developed as a direct upgrade to CPM-S35VN. The key innovation is nitrogen — a small nitrogen addition to the alloy acts as a powerful solid solution strengthener, allowing CPM-S45VN to achieve higher hardness without sacrificing toughness, and improving corrosion resistance by keeping more chromium available in the matrix. The result is a steel that outperforms CPM-S35VN on edge retention and corrosion resistance while remaining easier to sharpen than M390, 20CV, or CPM MagnaCut.

    At Knifeworks, you are buying from an authorized dealer: every CPM-S45VN knife on this page ships with full manufacturer warranty coverage — Benchmade LifeSharp (free lifetime sharpening and mechanical repair) and Spyderco's manufacturer warranty. No gray-market sourcing, no voided warranties.

    Benchmade has adopted CPM-S45VN as their primary production steel across a growing number of core models, replacing CPM-S35VN in their lineup. It runs in the Griptilian, Mini Griptilian, 940 Osborne, and others — the same AXIS Lock platforms buyers have trusted for decades, now with a measurably better blade steel underneath. For buyers who want more from their Benchmade than CPM-S35VN delivered without stepping up to the cost and sharpening demands of M390 or CPM MagnaCut, CPM-S45VN fills that gap precisely.

    Why nitrogen makes CPM-S45VN a meaningful upgrade over CPM-S35VNNitrogen dissolves into the steel matrix and strengthens it without forming additional large carbides. This lets CPM-S45VN run at higher hardness — typically 61–63 HRC vs. CPM-S35VN's 59–61 HRC — while retaining the same toughness profile. Higher hardness at the same toughness means better edge retention and a keener edge geometry. The nitrogen also improves corrosion resistance by reducing the chromium tied up in carbides.

    Call 888-225-9775 — our team can help you choose the right CPM-S45VN model.

    Steel type
    PM Stainless
    Produced by
    Crucible Industries
    Typical hardness
    61–63 HRC
    Key addition
    Nitrogen
    Corrosion resist.
    Excellent
    Upgrade from
    CPM-S35VN
    Compare Selected

    CPM-S45VN Steel: Frequently Asked Questions

    What is CPM-S45VN steel?＋

    CPM-S45VN is a powder metallurgy stainless steel produced by Crucible Industries, released in 2020 as a direct upgrade to CPM-S35VN. The key change is the addition of nitrogen to the alloy alongside the existing carbon, chromium, vanadium, molybdenum, and niobium. Typical composition: approximately 1.48% carbon, 16% chromium, 3% vanadium, 2% molybdenum, 0.5% niobium, and 0.15% nitrogen.

    Nitrogen acts as a solid solution strengthener, allowing the steel to reach higher hardness — typically 61–63 HRC — without the brittleness penalty that normally accompanies higher carbon content. It also contributes to corrosion resistance by reducing the amount of chromium tied up in carbides, keeping more free in the matrix. The result is a steel that is measurably better than CPM-S35VN on edge retention and corrosion resistance while remaining approachable at the sharpening bench.

    How does CPM-S45VN compare to CPM-S35VN?＋

    CPM-S45VN is a direct and meaningful upgrade to CPM-S35VN. The nitrogen addition allows Benchmade and other makers to run CPM-S45VN at 62–63 HRC versus CPM-S35VN's typical 59–61 HRC — a hardness increase that translates directly to better edge retention and the ability to hold a keener apex geometry. Toughness is comparable to CPM-S35VN at the higher hardness, which is the nitrogen effect in practice. Corrosion resistance is also improved, as nitrogen keeps more chromium available in the matrix.

    Sharpenability is similar between the two steels, with CPM-S45VN being slightly more demanding due to the higher hardness — but both are well within range for diamond stones and ceramic rods. For buyers currently running CPM-S35VN Benchmades, CPM-S45VN is the upgrade they have been waiting for.

    How does CPM-S45VN compare to CPM MagnaCut?＋

    CPM MagnaCut is the more advanced steel. It outperforms CPM-S45VN on toughness, matches or exceeds it on edge retention, and has superior corrosion resistance due to its chromium carbide-free design. CPM MagnaCut at 64 HRC is tougher than CPM-S45VN at 62 HRC — a meaningful difference for hard-use tasks or acute edge angles.

    CPM-S45VN is easier to sharpen than CPM MagnaCut, and it runs in a wider range of current production Benchmade models at lower price points. For buyers who want a significant step up from CPM-S35VN without the premium cost of CPM MagnaCut models, CPM-S45VN is the practical middle ground. For buyers who want the best available stainless steel in a production knife, CPM MagnaCut is the answer.

    How does CPM-S45VN compare to M390 and 20CV?＋

    M390 and 20CV have higher edge retention than CPM-S45VN in laboratory wear testing — their high-vanadium, high-chromium carbide structure produces exceptional wear resistance that CPM-S45VN does not fully match. The advantages CPM-S45VN holds are toughness and sharpenability: it is notably tougher than M390 or 20CV at comparable hardness and considerably easier to restore at the bench. CPM-S45VN sharpens well on standard diamond stones and ceramic rods; M390 and 20CV demand quality diamond or CBN abrasives and more time.

    CPM-S45VN also has better corrosion resistance than M390 or 20CV. Its nitrogen addition keeps more chromium free in the matrix compared to the chromium-carbide-heavy structure of M390 and 20CV. For buyers who want maximum edge life and sharpen with quality tools, M390 or 20CV have the advantage. For buyers who want a tougher, easier-to-maintain steel with excellent corrosion resistance, CPM-S45VN is the better choice.

    Is CPM-S45VN easy to sharpen?＋

    CPM-S45VN is easier to sharpen than M390, 20CV, or CPM MagnaCut, and comparable to CPM-S35VN with a slight additional effort due to higher hardness. It responds well to diamond stones and ceramic rods — the same tools that handle CPM-S35VN will handle CPM-S45VN without difficulty. A medium diamond stone followed by a fine ceramic rod produces a keen working edge efficiently.

    For Benchmade owners, LifeSharp covers free professional sharpening for the life of the knife from an authorized dealer purchase. That warranty applies to every CPM-S45VN Benchmade on this page.

    Does CPM-S45VN rust or stain easily?＋

    CPM-S45VN has excellent corrosion resistance — better than CPM-S35VN and better than M390 or 20CV in laboratory salt spray testing. The nitrogen addition keeps more chromium free in the steel matrix rather than tied up in carbides, improving the passive oxide layer that protects the surface. In everyday carry through sweat, humidity, and typical kitchen use, CPM-S45VN will not stain or pit.

    Extended saltwater exposure benefits from a quick wipe and light oil, as with any stainless steel. Under normal carry conditions CPM-S45VN needs minimal maintenance to stay clean.

    What brands use CPM-S45VN steel?＋

    Benchmade has adopted CPM-S45VN as their primary production steel, transitioning core models from CPM-S35VN. Spyderco has also released CPM-S45VN variants. Knifeworks carries authorized stock from both brands with full manufacturer warranty coverage.

    BrandNotable CPM-S45VN ModelsWarranty
    BenchmadeGriptilian, Mini Griptilian, 940 Osborne, BugoutLifeSharp — free lifetime sharpening & repair
    SpydercoPara 3, Paramilitary 2 variantsManufacturer limited warranty
    Which CPM-S45VN knife should I buy at Knifeworks?＋

    For the most popular CPM-S45VN EDC folder, the Benchmade Griptilian delivers AXIS Lock reliability, ambidextrous deployment, and LifeSharp warranty coverage at a mid-range price. The Benchmade 940 Osborne in CPM-S45VN adds a reverse tanto blade and premium aluminum scales for buyers who want a thinner carry profile. The Benchmade Bugout in CPM-S45VN is the choice for ultralight carry at 1.85 oz.

    If you are choosing between CPM-S45VN and CPM MagnaCut, CPM MagnaCut is the more capable steel — but CPM-S45VN runs in more models, at lower price points, and is easier to sharpen. Call 888-225-9775 and our team can help you match the right model to your use case and budget.

    CPM-S45VN vs. comparable blade steels

    SteelToughnessEdge RetentionCorrosion ResistanceSharpenability
    CPM-S45VN ★HighMod–HighExcellentEasy
    CPM MagnaCutExceptionalHighExcellentModerate
    M390ModerateExcellentVery goodDifficult
    20CVModerateExcellentVery goodDifficult
    CPM-S35VNHighModerateHighEasy
    CPM-S30VMod–HighModerateHighModerate
    154CMMod–HighModerateAbove avgVery easy
    Where CPM-S45VN wins: toughness, corrosion resistance, and easy sharpening in the same packageCPM-S45VN is the only steel in this table that combines high toughness, excellent corrosion resistance, and easy sharpenability. M390 and 20CV beat it on edge retention but are brittle and difficult to sharpen. CPM MagnaCut beats it overall but costs more. CPM-S35VN is comparable but runs at lower hardness. For buyers who want strong all-around performance from a production Benchmade without specialized sharpening equipment, CPM-S45VN is the current benchmark.
    ⚔
    Benchmade & SpydercoAuthorized CPM-S45VN catalog across Benchmade's core AXIS Lock lineup and Spyderco Compression Lock folders.
    Authorized Dealer — Full Warranty CoverageBenchmade LifeSharp: free lifetime sharpening and mechanical repair. Spyderco manufacturer warranty on every knife sold.
    CPM-S45VN vs. CPM MagnaCutDeciding between the two? Call 888-225-9775 — our team can tell you which steel makes more sense for your use case and budget.
    Same or Next Business Day ShippingShips from Columbia, Louisiana. Order by 2 PM CT and your CPM-S45VN knife is on its way today.